Heathrow Loses Top European Airport Title to Istanbul Amidst Third Runway Push
The UK's busiest airport points to ongoing capacity constraints and geopolitical factors as reasons for its demotion, intensifying calls for a new runway.
Heathrow Airport has lost its status as Europe's busiest airport to Istanbul, a development the west London hub cited as evidence for the urgent need for a third runway. In July, Heathrow handled 7.86 million passengers, a 1.5% decrease compared to the same month last year, while Istanbul recorded 8.15 million passengers.
Heathrow previously held the top position for busiest European airport from 1996 to 2019, losing it during the COVID-19 pandemic before regaining it in 2023. The airport attributed the recent decline in passenger numbers, particularly on Middle East routes, to the ongoing Iran war, which saw a 20.2% year-on-year drop in July. Despite these challenges, Heathrow's existing two runways are operating at near-full capacity.
The airport's expansion plans, which it claims would allow it to accommodate 150 million passengers annually, are currently under government review. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander launched a consultation in June on the Heathrow expansion national policy statement, outlining conditions for its potential approval, including its ability to deliver UK-wide economic growth.
Heathrow reported a record 84.5 million passengers in 2025. However, it now anticipates 83.6 million passengers for the current year, with a potential downward revision to 80.1 million. The airport also projected a £147 million decrease in profits compared to 2025, and £60 million less than initially expected in December, prior to the conflict in the Middle East.
In a statement, Heathrow emphasized its capacity limitations, stating, "Heathrow is operating at capacity. The case for expansion has never been clearer, as Heathrow was overtaken in July by Istanbul airport as the busiest hub in Europe." The airport added that its expansion plans are crucial for the country to remain competitive and foster economic growth.
Concerns about the economic impact of a third runway have been previously voiced. Andy Burnham, a former politician, expressed worries that such a project could divert investment away from northern England and concentrate it in London. Heathrow CEO Thomas Woldbye acknowledged a strong summer start but reiterated the airport's ambition to expand its route network and passenger services.